Winger, Paul Samson, was the hero as his goal and an assist helped Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City from Lagos in a highly entertaining Nigeria Premier Football League, decided at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The Matchday 35 fixture lived up to the pre-match hype as the two sides, chasing a continental ticket, displayed a mesmerizing football artistry that reflects the abundance of talents in the Nigerian league and left many spectators on the edge of their seats.
Abia Warriors’ gaffer, Imama Amapakabo, made only one change to the side that played in Benin against Bendel Insurance last time, with Fatai Abdullahi taking the place of Casmir Azubuike.
The game started explosively, as it was end-to-end. But it was the Warriors who would have taken the lead in the early stages as Valentine Ugwu failed to make hay from the 18-yard box after being put through on goal.
The home side deservedly took the lead in the 20th minute of play when Paul Samson headed in Innocent Gabriel’s freekick.
The visitors were not deterred by the goal, and they pressed for a goal of their own that materialized in the 36th minute, after a moment of laxity on the part of the Warriors allowed Remi Adeoye time and space to shoot from 30 yards and score for the visitors.
Umu Chineke, on the other hand, maintained their composure and began asking questions of their own. And their effort paid off at the dot of 45 minutes.
Paul Samson turned from scorer to provider when his defense-splitting pass located Valentine Ugwu, and the latter stylishly chipped the ball over the on-rushing Ikorodu City’s keeper, Michael Atata, for the second goal that turned out to be the winner.
The Warriors had another goal two minutes into the second half– Fatai Abdullahi’s bullet of a shot from a corner kick, hitting the back of the net. But the goal was ruled out for offside.
The visitors tried to find another goal from occasional counter-attacks, but the Warriors’ defence line was having none of it.
With the game getting intriguing by the minute, the Warriors’ bench introduced Casmir Azubuike and Shedrack Asiegbu, for Suraj Lawal Fatai Abdullahi, and later, Chindi Merpring and Ebenezer Omoge for Emeka Obioma and Paul Samson, to see off the game.
Up next for Abia Warriors is an away tie against Rivers United in Port Harcourt.
PHOTO 1
Paul Samson celebrates his goal.
PHOTO 2.
Chukwuemeka Obioma (20) celebrates with Valentine Ugwu
PHOTO 3
The Warriors
Abia Warriors Media